Transportation

According to the EPA, transportation accounted for the largest portion (28%) of the total US greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. Knox encourages its community members to reduce dependence on single occupancy vehicles by promoting the following alternative transportation options.

Bicycles at Knox

Bicycling is a great way to get exercise, make friends, and have fun—all while reducing your environmental impact and saving money. Knox College encourages students to bring bikes to campus and supports bicycling by providing ample parking, secure storage over breaks, free bike registration, short- and long-term bike loan programs, and a full-service on-campus bike shop! 

Knox College Bike Shop/ Bike Share

Located in the basement of the Old Jail, the Knox College Bike Shop is an on-campus bike repair shop and rental service open several days during the week and staffed by student mechanics. 

Students can rent bikes and bike locks for an entire term. There are about 60 bikes in the Bike Share Fleet, which are loaned to students as first-come-first-serve. This is a free service, though there is a charge if items are not returned. 

Additionally, mechanic services may be available to anyone in the Knox community for the cost of parts.

Fun fact: The Bike Shop is recognized by The League of American Bicyclists as a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Business for 2024-2028, in recognition of our outstanding efforts to support and encourage bicycling!

Bike Shop hours

Check our Facebook page for the current Bike Shop Schedule, for closures and/or updates. 

Contact bikeshop-user@knox.edu to make an appointment.

Self-service bike stand and pump

There is a self fix-it stand and pump located on the south side of Seymour Union, adjacent to the dining services office. The fix-it stand has a few tools (including an air pump to fill your tires and wrenches) and a link to online tutorials. It’s available for community use at all times. 

Bike Parking, Storage, and Registration

When locking your bike, be sure to securely attach the frame and both wheels to a bike rack using a strong U-lock and cable! If you do not securely lock your bike, it is at risk of theft. 

There are bicycle racks outside most buildings and residents are able to store their bicycles inside bedroom areas as well. Covered parking is available under the stairs leading to the Fitness Center doors. Secure, indoor bike storage can be arranged for break periods and Winter term by contacting the Office of Campus Life.

For policies related to bike parking and registration, please see Campus Safety's bicycle policy page.

Illinois Cycling Rules of the Road

It is suggested to review the information provided in the Illinois Cycling Rules of the Road brochure.

Free Local Bus Rides - Galesburg Transit

Knox IDs are also a free bus pass! Knox students, faculty, and staff can ride Galesburg Transit for free by showing their Knox ID upon entering the bus.

The local public transportation bus service operates Monday-Friday. Four bus routes serve many areas of Galesburg and all routes pass by the Knox College campus. See the City's website for more information on schedules. 

On-campus Car Share

Getting around town just got a whole lot easier! Knox is excited to announce a partnership with a car-sharing program through Enterprise CarShare. You will be able to reserve a vehicle—being able to choose between an Altima or Prius—through your desktop or the Enterprise mobile app.

Whether you want to do a little shopping or you’re thinking about a weekend trip, the Enterprise CarShare program is available 24/7. Check out the FAQs below to learn more:

How can I access the Enterprise CarShare program?
Visit https://www.enterprisecarshare.com/knox or download the Enterprise app from your app store to register and apply for the program.

Who can use the cars?
Any enrolled student over age 18 or any Knox faculty/staff member. Applicants must provide a valid .edu email address. Everyone will need to fill out an application and be approved before they are allowed to rent a vehicle.

How much does it cost?
This program is membership-based and there is a $50 dollar fee to apply. Once your application is accepted and approved, you will receive $25 in driving credits to use. In the following year, you will be charged a $25 yearly membership fee.

Once you are approved and you pick the car up, the clock starts running at the rate of $5.50/hour for the Prius, and $6.00/hour for the Altima. That rate includes fuel, insurance coverage, 24/7 access, and a designated parking spot on campus. 

We encourage you to download the app, register, and apply as soon as possible, so you have a chance to be approved ahead of time and you are ready to roll once you reserve a car.

Start and End of Term Shuttle

For a small fee, Knox College offers shuttle service at the beginning and end of each term for students flying into or out of Quad City International Airport in Moline, Illinois, or Greater Peoria Regional Airport. Ride sharing reduces the number of individual trips and decreases the College's carbon footprint.

Electric and Alternative-fuel Vehicles

Two electric vehicle charging stations are available for guests of the college. In addition, the Facilities department maintains a number of biodiesel-powered vehicles in the maintenance fleet.

Amtrak Train

Galesburg is a historic railroad town, fortunate to have Amtrak service eight times per day (four trains heading toward Chicago and four heading west). Train service is at the Galesburg Train Station, just a few blocks east of the Knox College campus. The train provides transportation to visit other cities in the region or to connect with airports in Chicago. It is often faster and much less expensive than the cost to drive and pay for fuel and parking. See the Amtrak website for schedules and more information.